Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees
Sponsored by the House Public Safety Committee
Topics:Public safety & emergencies
Same legislation: HSB 652
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 3, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 17, 2026
- Stopped: Passes the HouseDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill relates to the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers.1 (peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights) by providing that the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights does not require the disclosure, use, or consideration of confidential peer support communications in any informal inquiry, formal administrative investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or Brady-Giglio determination.10 (communications in professional confidence) and creates new Code chapter 622C relating to the evidentiary privilege of peer support communications.
Read the full explanation
The bill defines “civilian employee” as an employee of a law enforcement agency, emergency management agency, emergency medical services agency, or fire department who is not an officer. The bill also defines “confidential communication”, “officer”, and “peer support counselor”. The bill provides that, except as otherwise specified, a peer support counselor or an individual present for a confidential communication is not permitted to testify or disclose confidential communications made by an officer or a civilian employee during peer support or crisis intervention sessions. The bill further provides that confidential communications cannot be used or introduced in any formal administrative investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or Brady-Giglio disclosure or proceeding, except as otherwise provided or as constitutionally required. The bill allows peer support counselors or individuals present for a confidential communication to testify or otherwise disclose a confidential communication that includes a plan to commit a crime or information related to the commission of a crime, a threat of harm to oneself or others, or information required by law to be disclosed. The bill provides that new Code chapter 622C does not limit an employer’s authority to direct an employee to an employee assistance program or to require a fitness-for-duty evaluation, and the chapter is to be construed liberally to promote candid and confidential communications during peer support services for public safety professionals.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
House subcommittee
Named February 3, 2026 (as HSB 652). On February 4, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
9 for · 0 against · 2 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
Study bill
91st General Assembly
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